Whereas the current Library Act presents challenges for small rural municipal Councils to meet the obligations of the Library Act; And whereas rural municipal libraries generally service areas beyond municipal boundaries, should have the opportunity to apply for an exemption within the Library Act: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM petition the Province of British Columbia to review the Library Act and incorporate amendments that add flexibility or support mechanisms to address the challenge of finding adult residents or electors to serve on the library board of a small municipality.
Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs There are already options for smaller communities to cooperate with other local governments in the provision of public library services under the Library Act. This includes opportunities for local governments and library boards to enter into agreements to extend the service and contribution areas or explore arrangements to share the burden of public library governance, costs and operations. Communities that would like to better understand these opportunities are encouraged to contact the Public Libraries Branch in the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs to discuss the details of their service and governance arrangements.